Ann Belsky was a talented makeup artist and costume designer, best known as the wife of actor and comedian Rick Moranis. Born on February 5, 1956, in Canada, she made significant contributions to the entertainment industry before her untimely death on February 4, 1991, in Manhattan, New York City, due to breast cancer.
Ann Belsky’s Bio
| Name | Ann Belsky |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1956 |
| Place of Birth | Canada |
| Age | 34 (At The Time of Her Death) |
| Death | February 4, 1991 (Manhattan, New York, United States) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Rick Moranis (m. 1986–1991) |
| Children | Two: Mitchell Moranis and Rachel Moranis |
| Passion | Makeup Artistry and Costume design |
| Cause of Death | Breast Cancer |
Early Life and Career
Most of Ann Belsky’s early life is kept within, with not much public information about her early life and education. She had a career in the arts, working as a makeup artist and costume designer. Among her credits was work on the television movie “Death of a Salesman” (1985), where she did makeup for actor Dustin Hoffman, as well as the TV show “Late Night with David Letterman” from 1982 to 1984.
Marriage to Rick Moranis
Rick Moranis was married in 1986 to Ann Belsky. The two took on two children collectively a son, Mitchell, born Feb. 7, 1988; and a daughter, Rachel, in ‘91. They had a true partnership and were very supportive of each other through the many phases of married life.
Battle with Breast Cancer and Passing
Ann was found to have breast cancer back in the late 1980s. She continued working and taking care of her family despite her condition. Unfortunately, she died a day before her 35th birthday on February 4, 1991.
The Ann Belsky Moranis School of Arts
One less recognizable but permanent commemoration of Ann Belsky is the creation in Israel of the Ann Belsky Moranis School of Arts. This institution is a living tribute to Ann’s diverse interests in the arts and her devotion to artistic expression. The school offers young artists tools, training, and development in all artistic disciplines visual arts, drama, and music. The vision of the school embodies Ann’s spirit that encouraged creativity, self expression, and a love for art.
It also features a distinctive focus on Jewish heritage, combining arts education with cultural studies. In memory of Ann, who was both Jewish and an artist herself, her family wanted to create a space for students to raise their artistic talents while encouraging their own self explorations as individuals. The Ann Belsky Moranis School of Arts is designed to serve a dozen or so new students every year and honor her legacy, impacting thousands of students through her life.
Rick Moranis’s Return to Hollywood
Rick Moranis eventually returned to Hollywood, albeit sporadically, after a hiatus that lasted over two decades. Fans were excited to see him back on screen, albeit in limited roles, such as his appearance in a commercial with actor Ryan Reynolds in 2020. Moranis’s slow re-entry into acting underscores his enduring popularity and the lasting appeal of his comedic talents. His return also reflects the stability he found after dedicating much of his life to his children’s upbringing, a journey that began after Ann’s passing.
Although Moranis has limited his appearances, he has hinted that he is open to projects that genuinely interest him. Fans continue to appreciate the choice he made to prioritize family, viewing his occasional roles as delightful reminders of the beloved characters he brought to life. His story also serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing how personal loss can lead to choices that ultimately create a legacy of love and resilience.
Ann Belsky’s Influence on Rick Moranis’s Career
Rick Moranis, the announcement of posthumous career change of Ann Belsky surprised many, however no one can blame Rick Moranis for starting to follow a more virtuous path. Moranis, who starred in hits including Ghostbusters, Honey I Shrunk the Kids and Spaceballs, was a powerhouse in comedy at the top of his game during the late ’80s and early ’90s.
But the death of his wife also weighed on him and changed everything about Hollywood for him, making it impossible to go back and turned into a single father in full focus. This was one of the biggest breaks in Hollywood, so Moranis consciously gave up to take a note from his kids.
It was an exceptionally uncommon decision in an industry that often rewards fame and accomplishment over all else. A saga that struck a chord with fans across the planet about his devotion as a father. Moranis has explained in interviews that taking a step back just felt right and that he wouldn’t change prioritizing family over his career for anything. Such a decision underscored not only the close relationship he had with Ann but also his strong desire to continuing Ann’s legacy in their family.
Children’s Lives
Mitchell Moranis pursued a career in the arts, becoming an actor, producer, and musician, while maintaining a relatively low profile. Rachel Moranis earned a degree in visual arts and art history from Brown University and became the CEO of a software company, blending her artistic background with technological innovation.
The Bottom Line
Ann Belsky made significant contributions to the arts and had a profound impact on her family, despite her brief life. Her legacy continues through the artistic pursuits of her children and the educational institution established in her honor.
